Skip to main content
Normal View

Rent Increases

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Questions (144)

Seán Canney

Question:

144. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the need for an urgent arbitration plan to address the looming rent crisis for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18176/21]

View answer

Written answers

These are difficult times and many companies have had to temporarily close their businesses and / or premises, curtail their activities or make alternative work arrangements due to COVID-19 restrictions. I am aware that some businesses are concerned that some landlords are continuing to insist on the payment of rents and leases as normal despite their premises being closed.

The issue of commercial rents is primarily a contractual matter for the parties involved, and arrangements will be in place in commercial lease agreements to deal with disputes (alternative dispute resolution mechanisms) . However, the Government has urged landlords and tenants to talk to one another and come to some arrangement, as it is in everybody’s interest that terms are amicably agreed. With this in mind, on 1st October 2020, the Code of Conduct between landlords and tenants for commercial rents was published. The aim of the voluntary Code is to facilitate discussions between landlords and tenants impacted by COVID-19. It sets out a structured approach for engagement between both commercial landlords and tenants, based on their mutual interest in continuing to work together.

However, this Code should not be seen in isolation. To date, a range of supports have been developed for businesses, including the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID, the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme, wage subsidies, a commercial rates holiday, low-cost loans, and a VAT reduction. The Code of Conduct and the full list of supports is available on my Department’s website.

The Government is committed to ensuring as many businesses as possible survive this challenging period, and it will continue to look at how we can help businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Top
Share